A Taste of Italy at Hyatt Regency
By Seema Dhawan
An intimate journey of flavours as Grissini from Grand Hyatt Hong Kong brought its Italian legacy to the capital
A Rare Culinary Encounter
Two culinary worlds came together at Hyatt Regency Delhi, and I had the privilege of being there to witness it unfold. For ten days, from 28th August to 6th September, the celebrated Grissini from Grand Hyatt Hong Kong brought its soul-stirring Italian artistry to the capital. Since its inception in 1989—the same year as its home hotel—Grissini has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s fine dining landscape, and to see its legacy brought here felt like being part of a rare, fleeting moment where tradition travelled across borders to create something truly special.
A Chef Who Cooked, Shared, and Inspired
The afternoon began at The Living Room, where Chef Valerio Mandile welcomed us with a live cooking demonstration that was as engaging as it was insightful. Watching him work—his hands shaping fresh pasta, his voice sharing stories behind each creation—set the tone for what was to follow. We tasted, we conversed, and we connected with the essence of his craft in a setting that felt both personal and warm.
Flavours that Travelled Across Borders
As the evening unfolded, we were then served the very creations from Chef Valerio’s masterclass—a menu first brought to life before our eyes in The Living Room, now unfolding course by course at La Piazza. It began with the creamy allure of Burrata, the bright freshness of Panzanella, and the herbaceous lift of Basilico. Soon followed the silken Spaghetti alla Nerano, a risotto rich with tender grains that held their bite, and finally, a Coppa al Limone that melted on the tongue like a sigh of Amalfi. The dishes arrived with a wine chosen not merely to complement, but to elevate its essence—turning the meal into a journey of textures, aromas, and perfectly timed pauses.
“Bringing the spirit of Grissini to Delhi has been an honour,” Chef Valerio shared, moving from table to table, not as a distant maestro but as a storyteller of flavors. The menu reflected authentic Italian traditions, crafted with passion and precision.
A Toast to Hospitality
There was something about that moment—glasses clinking softly, aromas lingering in the air—that reminded me why food has the power to transcend borders when guided by hands that cook with both skill and soul. A heartfelt thanks to Pankaj Wadhwa, Director of Sales & Marketing, and the incredible Team Hyatt, whose seamless hospitality and thoughtful vision turned this collaboration into more than just an event; it became a memory, a fleeting chapter of culinary history, where two cities—Hong Kong and Delhi—met at the table and left us richer in taste, in culture, and in connection.
